National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's overarching goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing health emergencies, promoting universal health coverage, and advancing health equity.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position at the WHO Representative Office for Samoa involves providing technical and managerial advice to governments and national stakeholders in the development and implementation of sustainable immunization strategies. The incumbent will work closely with the head of the WHO country office and will be responsible for coordinating efforts to control and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This role requires a strong focus on reaching missed and zero-dose children, introducing new vaccines, and intensifying vaccination campaigns. The officer will also monitor the national burden of VPDs and facilitate the adaptation of evidence-based guidelines and tools in immunization programs. The position demands a proactive approach to resource mobilization and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the success of immunization initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer include:

• Working under the direct supervision of the respective officer and overall guidance from the head of the WHO country office.
• Providing, coordinating, and facilitating technical and managerial advice to governments and stakeholders for developing and implementing integrated strategies and policies for immunization programs.
• Contributing to the development of work plans and budgets, and supporting resource mobilization efforts.
• Monitoring the implementation of work plans and budgets, and evaluating planned activities in consultation with national counterparts.
• Monitoring the national burden of vaccine-preventable diseases through health information systems and research activities.
• Facilitating the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based norms and guidelines in immunization programs.
• Guiding the collection and analysis of best practices in immunization and life-course programs.
• Assisting Ministries of Health in planning and organizing vaccination campaigns.
• Coordinating the development of communication materials to raise community awareness about immunization. 1
• Assisting governments with implementing recommendations from the Sub-regional Verification Committee for Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Pacific.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the National Professional Officer position include:

• A university degree in medicine, nursing, public health, or a related science.
• A postgraduate degree in public health or a related field is desirable.
• At least five years of experience in developing and implementing public health policies and programs related to vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization at the national level.
• Professional experience providing technical services to Member States and partners in resource-limited settings is essential.
• Experience in immunization service delivery and disease surveillance is desirable, along with relevant work experience with WHO or other UN agencies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, nursing, public health, or a related science. A postgraduate degree in public health or a related field is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of working experience in public health, specifically in developing and implementing policies and programs related to vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization. Candidates should have professional experience in providing technical services to Member States and partners, particularly in resource-limited settings. Experience in immunization service delivery and disease surveillance is also desirable, as is relevant work experience with WHO or other UN agencies.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Professional Officer position, meaning that only applications from nationals of Samoa will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at WST 87,816 annually, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position includes 30 days of annual leave. Candidates should be aware that a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as part of the screening process. WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.